A capo is basically a little clamp for your guitar. I’ve been using this since I’ve been playing the guitar. It looks like this:

My favorite (and most helpful) tool of all time.

I strongly suggest anyone who is new to the guitar (especially kids) pick up a capo. I love this Kyser kind because it’s super easy to get on and off of the neck of the guitar. I have a bunch (and they come in multiple colors if you prefer something other than gold). Capos are especially awesome for kids because they can help smaller fingers get used to fretting notes and chords.

Ok… So I’ve gone through at least 10 different brands/styles of tuners. And I always lose them (or leave them in sofa cushions or at gigs, etc). This is by far my favorite:

Easy to use + Hard to lose = Awesomeness

It is durable, easy to read, easy to use, and bright red (so it’s not easy to lose). I also recommend getting a tuner app for your phone (the app has definitely helped me in a a pinch), but these clip-on snark tuner has been awesome.

At some point, you’re gonna need to change your guitar strings. I love these guys:

My Favorite Strings. Ever.

I’ve been playing with these guitar strings for as long as I’ve been playing the guitar. There is a reason for that. These strings are super easy on the fingers. Do your fingers hurt when you play the guitar? These little babies will ease your finger pain (if only a bit). They have a coating on them that is easy on the fingers, cuts down on the screechy sound, and has a nice mellow tone. Get them. They’re awesome.

(Full Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission if you purchase through my site. But don’t worry – these products are awesome, I love them… if I didn’t I wouldn’t recommend them. I recommend them because they’re great… not because of the small commission that I make from them. If you have other recommendations, just shoot me an e-mail and let me know!)